SexVille Tuesday: Hidden health benefits of sex for women

Due to popular demand by our readers, we are bringing back Mrs. Edna Angasi, the Port Harcourt, Rivers State, based sex therapist who was our guest last week. This week, she takes a look at the benefits women derive from having sex with their spouses.

As usual, enjoy her incisive insights.

I have come across many women who think sex is not everything in a marriage. In fact, one lady who was having issues with her husband which almost led to the crash of their marriage, bluntly told me that 'sex is not food', and hence, her husband should not expect sex for up to a month, after all, they have had all the sex they needed to last them a lifetime.

I was shocked at such naivety on her path. I had to let her realise that apart from having sex with her husband, a woman also has some benefits she derives from sex, directly and indirectly.

And here are some of those hidden benefits of sex for a woman.

1. Regular sex brings you closer to your partner

Many women think that sex kind of alienate their partners from them but especially for married couples, having sex regularly can do more than make you feel closer to your partner, it can actually make you physically healthier. The bond and closeness you feel after sex with your husband actually brings you together instead of setting you apart.

2. It May Improve Your Heart Health

Heart disease is probably one of the number killer of women but researchers have related regular sex to be one of the great ways to keep your heart in top shape.

Yes, eating a healthy diet, and keeping your cholesterol low and sodium in check are great ways to stay on top of heart health, but so is having sex. Sex is an exercise that raises heart rate and blood flow and American sex researchers have found out that having sex twice or more a week reduced the risk of fatal heart attack by half.

3. Sex can help you get a better night's sleep

If you are finding it difficult to get a good night sleep, then you should try good old sex since it has the calming effect of lulling you to sleep. During orgasm, the hormone prolactin is released and prolactin levels are naturally higher when we sleep, which suggests a strong relationship between the two. Sex may help, especially if you’re having trouble sleeping due to anxiety or stress. People having frequent sex often report that they handle stress better. The profound relaxation that typically follows orgasm for women may be one of the few times they can actually allow themselves to completely relax. Many women I have counseled reveal that they sleep more deeply and restfully after satisfying lovemaking.

4. Sex boosts your immune system

Some women may not believe this but it is very true that sex actually boosts your immune system and some minor ailments can be cleared through regular sex. The same American researchers say that individuals who have sex once or twice a week show 30 percent higher levels of an antibody called immunoglobulin A, which is known to boost the immune system. What this means is that getting under the sheets regularly with your partner can also build your resistance to some ailments.

5. Sex improves your mental health

Sex is the quickest way to boost your mood, fight depression and beat anxiety, according to an American certified medical expert, Patricia Tan. Dr Tan reveals that sex in a loving, committed relationship, of course, improves one’s mental health by building intimacy and reducing stress. The stress reduction component lowers a person's cortisol level, thereby reducing the chances of increased blood pressure, hyperglycemia and increased acidity in the abdomen.

6. Regular sex gives lighter menstrual periods

When a woman orgasms, her uterus contracts and, in the process, rids the body of cramp-causing compounds, thereby reducing severe menstrual pains. The increased number of uterine contractions can also help expel blood and tissue more quickly, helping to end your period faster. Going horizontal while menstruating has also been shown to help decrease the risk for endometriosis, a common condition in which uterine tissue grows outside of the uterus, causing pelvic pain and sex that hurts. Sex during your period may not sound too appealing, but don't stress over making a mess. Just lay down a dark-colored towel and stick to missionary; when you're lying down, your flow tends to be lighter.

7. Sex relieves pains

Sex has the ability to relieve you of pains such as headaches because there’s a real correlation between sex and pain management. Through sexual arousal and orgasm, the hormone oxytocin is secreted in your body, which in turn causes the release of endorphins. Because of these natural opiates, sex acts as a powerful analgesic.

8. Sex helps you with you bladder control

The idea that sex can help you control your bladder may sound weird but it is very true and has been medically proven by experts. In sex therapy, we recommend that women do Kegel exercises, which is flexing the muscles in your pelvic floor, during sex. Not only can the exercises help increase pleasure, they also strengthen the muscles associated with bladder control. You can do Kegels anywhere, including during intercourse, so don’t be shy! Gently flex and tighten your pelvic floor muscles in the same way you would to stop the flow of urine. Hold for three seconds, then release.

9. Sex gives you healthier skin

Hmmmmm, far fetched, you think? Could sex make you more beautiful? A renowned sex expert, Dr Eric Braverman, founder of PATH Medical Center in New York City, says having sex releases a key compound in the body that is good for all kinds of things, including improving your complexion. During sex, your body produces a hormone called DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone). It can boost the immune system, give you healthier skin and even decrease depression.